The suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged his supporters to tone down their confrontational approach to the state’s political situation and instead follow his strategic steps towards enduring peace by showing restraint.
Governor Fubara gave the advice on Sunday night while speaking at a Night of Tributes organized by the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum in honour of the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark at the Royal House of Grace Church in Port Harcourt, the State capital.
The Governor noted that some of the remarks and actions of his supporters were unnecessary and contrary to his personal beliefs and principles of pursuing peace in the midst of the political crisis in the State.
Governor Fubara said he sometimes wondered if such people ask themselves whether the path they were taking was the true way to peace, stability, reconciliation and cautioned against acts capable of escalating tensions in the State.
He stressed that as a leader, he was quite aware of the enormous responsibilities before him, and was doing what needed to be done within the ambit of the law to restore normalcy in a bid to move the State forward.
Governor Fubara added that he now enjoys peace of mind and appears even healthier, and emphasized the importance of drawing inspiration from the life and values of late Pa Clark, particularly his commitment to peace, unity, personal sacrifice, and statesmanship.
While speaking on the legacies of late Pa Clark, Governor Fubara regretted that some speakers had deviated from the purpose of the gathering, urging for focus on the lessons learnt from late Clark’s humanity, sacrifices and undying dedication to peace, truth, justice, equity and fairness in the Niger Delta and Nigeria.
In his homily, Apostle Zilly Aggrey quoted James 4:13-16; Hebrew 12:14-15; and Matthew 7:12; and emphasised that the season called for wisdom on the path of all actors.
He urged all players in the political arena to make peace with one another, saying that only a people united in spirit and purpose can defeat any lurking enemies.
He thanked the former Governor and Minister of FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike for his role in Governor Fubara’s election, and tasked him to commit himself to the path of peace and reconciliation for normalcy to return to the State.
He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his fatherly role in the political crisis, and appealed for more proactive steps to bring lasting peace and restore democratic institutions in the State.
Others who spoke at the event included former Governor of the State, and Chairman, Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, Chief Rufus Ada George, former Deputy Governor of the State, Sir Gabriel Toby, Senator Benneth Birabi, Prof Atuboyedia Obianime, Prof Steve Azaiki, Ms Ann Kio Briggs, Bishop Elkanah Hanson, Senator Andrew Uchendu, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, Prof Roseline Konya, and Senator John Azuta Mbata.
Those who accompanied the Governor to the Night of Tributes included Senator John Azuta Mbata, Senator Adawari Michael Pepple, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka, Chief Hanny Woko, Dr Tammy Danagogo, Dr Edison Ehie, and Chief Theodore Georgewill.
The occasion was also attended by member representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Awaji-Inombek Abiante, and Hon Chikodi Dike, among others.
